Sights and sounds, Beans and Berrys: the week in tech

There's a Virgin TV innovation, a play for the music downloads market by Google, news of Jelly Bean's roll-out and the return of BlackBerry.

16:45 26 November 2012

There's a Virgin TV innovation, a play for the music downloads market by Google, news of Jelly Bean's roll-out and the return of BlackBerry - and more - in this week's round-up of the latest technology news.

 

Virgin customers get TV anywhere

 

Virgin Media's TV customers can catch up their favourite programmes on the go using smartphones and tablets, thanks to a new service called TV Anywhere.

 

The free service is basically just a website with catch up and streaming services for Virgin customers, but it also allows TiVo users to set programmes to record while out and about.

 

Virgin says you can watch up to 45 channels, depending on your subscription and how you access TV Anywhere.

 

At the moment it's only available on iOS devices (think iPhone and iPad) but Virgin says it will arriving on Android devices early next year.

 

Google Play Music hits UK

 

Google's music service has been available in the States for a little while already, but it's now landed on the shores of Blighty.

 

So far, so ho-hum. But what is interesting is that music can sometimes be cheaper here than on Apple's iTunes. My favourite band's latest album was a pound cheaper on Google Play Music than on ITunes - although prices vary from artist to artist.

 

As with everything these days, songs you buy are backed-up in the cloud, so you can listen to them on any web-connected device, wherever you are. You'll be able to store up to 20,000 tracks in Google's cloud for free.

 
Toyota issues another recall

 

Just a month after its last technical glitch, Toyota is recalling 2.7million cars worldwide because of problems with the steering wheel and water pump system.

 

No accidents have been reported and the manufacturer says the recall is a precautionary measure. Nine Toyota models are affected, including the Corolla and the second generation Prius.

 

Around 75,000 vehicles owners in the UK will be contacted by Toyota in the coming weeks, but if you want to see if your car is among the affected, enter your registration number here.

 

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean rolling out

 

Android phone and tablet users with newer devices will be able download the latest version of the Android operating system, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, soon.
The new, LG-built Nexus 4 smartphone (which sold out in an hour this week) is shipping with the new software, but anyone with the Nexus 7 tablet and the Galaxy Nexus phone will be getting the update in the coming days

 

The update brings security enhancements, including anti-malware capabilities and, more interestingly, support for multiple users, interactive screensavers and support for external displays.

 

If the new OS is available on your phone or tablet, it'll let you know over the coming days and weeks.

 

BlackBerry plans 2013 comeback

 

Remember BlackBerry? Its maker Research in Motion (RIM) is planning a comeback of its range of smartphones for business types and perma-texting teenagers.

 

RIM had been a major competitor in the smartphone arena for a while, but went quiet this past year as consumers flocked to Apple and Android devices. There were even rumours (now dispelled) that it was exiting the consumer smartphone business.

 

RIM plans to unveil two new smartphones and a new OS (BlackBerry 10) on January 30 and is promising a more agile and nimble experience when it comes to navigation and apps.

 

Nokia's new maps app

 

Still struggling with Apple Maps since the company ditched Google Maps? Nokia may have a new solution in the form of its new iOS app called Here.
Apple Maps has come under fire since it was released in iOS6 for being inaccurate, and it doesn't seem like Google Maps will be available in the App Store any time soon. So while Apple works to improve its own maps service and Google's is missing in action, Here could steal a march on its competitors.

 

Here features offline modes, voice-guided walking directions and public transit guidance, all for free. Nokia plans to start the Android ball rolling early next year, and a desktop version of Here is available, well, here.

 

Teen-mobile unveiled

 

Scary as it sounds, 16-year-olds can legally drive a new 'car' on UK roads.

 

The Aixiam Coupe S, on display at the Motorcycle Live Event in Birmingham from November 24, is actually classed as a 'light quadricycle', which means any 16-year-old with a moped licence can drive one. The age to acquire a full licence is 17.

 

Don't get too excited though, boys and girls, as the two-seater Aixiam Coupe S costs £9,999 and only has a top speed of 28mph. You'll also probably be paying more than £2,000 a year for insurance as well.